The shooting took place on Monday around 11:20 p.m. when the civilian suspect had taken the weapon from a petty officer aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mahan. Mayo was serving as the chief-of-the-guard, put himself between the gunman and the petty officer of the watch and as a result was fatally wounded, officials said.

The Navy says the suspect was later killed by another sailor after a gunfight. The gunman's name wasn't released.

Capt. Robert E. Clark, Jr., commanding officer, Naval Station Norfolk said, "Petty Officer Mayo's actions on Monday evening were nothing less than heroic. He selflessly gave his own life to ensure the safety of the Sailors on board USS Mahan (DDG 72). Petty Officer Mayo's family has endured a tremendous loss, as have the men and women of Naval Station Norfolk, in the loss of a shipmate and friend."